On Saturday 26 September, a host of countries, prominent individuals and civil society spoke up in favour not only of urgent action to implement landmark General Assembly Resolution 69/321, but also of striving for further improvements to the process to select the next UN Secretary-General.
1 for 7 Billion calls on journalists to play their part
General Assembly's President committed to driving forward reform proposals
General Assembly adopts historic resolution on improving Sec-Gen selection
UK Government endorses 1 for 7 Billion proposals at House of Lords debate
1 for 7 Billion launches interactive Map of Support
1 for 7 Billion welcomes Security Council discussion on Secretary-General selection and calls for further action
Reforming the UN
President-elect of the General Assembly meets 1 for 7 Billion delegation
Mary Robinson dubs selection process for UN chief as “morally inexcusable”
Al Jazeera: Is it time for a woman to lead the UN?
UNGA President-elect acknowledges widespread calls for reform
States call for change - 20-year stalemate could be broken
27 April debate: Urge states to speak up for a fairer process
With the help of its supporters, the 1 for 7 Billion campaign will create a social media storm on the morning of the 27 April debate to urge states to call for an end to the secretive, outdated appointment process that falls far short of basic recruitment standards
General Assembly debate: states call for a more open and inclusive process
Last week's debate in the UN General Assembly shows that securing a better way to select the Secretary-General is a top concern for member states. Nearly all delegates called for a more open and inclusive process to replace the outdated and secretive procedure that currently blights the appointment of the UN's chief.
Elders urge thorough and open process irrespective of gender or region
Top UN appointments should be based on merit, not power politics
1 for 7 Billion campaign causes "frisson of excitement at U.N.headquarters"
In his World Politics Review column, Richard Gowan argues that the next UN Secretary-General must choose between restoring the UN’s independence in pursuit of a bold internationalist agenda, or adopting a more cautious approach with the associated risks of 'political pulverization' in today's challenging geo-political landscape. He also finds that the 1 for 7 Billion campaign has caused "a frisson of excitement at U.N.headquarters".
Foreign Policy: The race for UN Secretary-General is rigged
In a detailed article for Foreign Policy, Colum Lynch laments the "utter lack of democratic process" in the elections for the world's "premier diplomatic job" and reviews the background of potential candidates from across the world. The article also describes the obstacles to opening up the selection process.
The Guardian quotes UN experts on need to overhaul selection process
The article highlights the launch of the 1 for 7 Billion campaign and quotes senior UN experts, including Sir Brian Urquhart and Edward Mortimer, on the major shortfalls of the current outdated selection process. The article also covers the campaign's open letter to world leaders calling for improvements to the appointment process, which was endorsed by a number of leading NGOs.